Assorted Chiles And Peppers

Assorted chiles and peppers are dried or fresh fruits from plants in the *Capsicum* genus. They are grown worldwide and vary widely in heat, flavor, and size. Varieties include jalapeños, poblanos, serranos, and cayenne, among many others.

These ingredients are primarily used to add flavor and heat to foods. They can be used whole, ground into powders, or processed into sauces and pastes. They are common in Mexican, Tex-Mex, and other ethnic cuisines, as well as in spice blends and marinades.

Chiles and peppers are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. Capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat, is being studied for various health effects, but research is ongoing and often mixed. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have not set specific limits for these whole foods in their natural state.